South Australia has achieved remarkable new records in renewable energy, with wind energy hitting a new peak share of 149.6% of state demand. The state has been running at an average of 75% wind and solar over the past year and aims to reach 100% "net" renewables by 2027. Battery storage is also playing a significant role in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, with 31.2% of demand being met by batteries at peak times. The state's increased capacity on interstate transmission lines and new big battery projects under construction are further contributing to the growth of renewable energy. A world-first trial by AEMO using battery inverters to run big grids with no synchronous generation showed promising results, setting records for renewables share, curtailment levels, and battery charging load on Sunday.
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From Ruins to Reuse: How Ukrainians Are Repurposing War Waste
In 2024, Zero Waste Kharkiv, led by Anna Prokayeva, initiated a project to recover and repurpose materials from the bomb-flattened village hall in Ruska Lozova, Ukraine, which was heavily damaged during the Russian invasion. The project aimed to address the issue of war waste and teach residents how to rebuild their homes using recovered materials. The team of volunteers sorted and transported materials to a circular construction yard, where they were repurposed for various construction needs, such as filling potholes, insulating walls, and heating buildings. By the end of the project, the site of the village hall was cleared and ready for new construction, now hosting a new council building. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is leading a major debris management effort in Ukraine, clearing nearly 800,000 tons of war rubble, with 150,000 tons processed into gravel for road repairs. Other nations are also contributing, with an Australian company making bricks from gravel, glass, and plastic bottles, and Japan providing training and equipment for waste processing. The use of A.I.-enhanced robotic cleanup machinery is being tested to reduce costs and increase safety in areas with potential hazards. Efforts are being made to amend Ukrainian laws to allow for the reuse of recycled concrete made from the war rubble. Zero Waste Kharkiv in Ukraine aims to repurpose all war wreckage, sending nothing to landfills or incinerators. The organization educates residents about the zero waste concept and follows a hierarchy of closed-loop circular systems. They send second-hand clothes, toys, and bedding to various centers, and collect spent batteries for reconfiguration. Zero Waste Kharkiv plans to continue their recycling efforts in war-torn areas to rebuild Ukraine sustainably.
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Major Battery Tech Event To Be Held In Spain
Battery Tech Europe is a new event at Fira de Barcelona focusing on the next generation of emerging battery applications and showcasing European innovation in battery technology. The conference will bring together thousands of energy professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss pathways for solving challenges in the sector and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy model. With a focus on grid-scale storage, aerospace technologies, maritime electrification, and other key sectors beyond electric vehicles, the event aims to prioritize European innovation and energy independence. Featuring 5,000 battery professionals, 150 exhibitors, and 100+ expert speakers, the conference will facilitate knowledge transfer of the latest innovations and development policies in the battery technology sector, highlighting advancements in sustainability and technology.
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This is Northern Europe’s up-and-coming markets for offshore wind investment
The article delves into Europe's northern offshore wind markets, from Ireland to the Baltic States, as a crucial area for offshore wind development. It explores the potential for growth in offshore wind energy production in these countries, emphasizing their significance in the transition to renewable energy and the fight against climate change. This region's focus on offshore wind highlights a key solution for reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy practices in Europe.
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These are Northern Europe’s up-and-coming markets for offshore wind investment
The article delves into Europe's northern offshore wind markets, from Ireland to Scandinavia and the Baltic States, emphasizing the increasing significance of offshore wind energy in these regions. It explores the potential for further growth and expansion of offshore wind projects in these areas, offering insights into the current status and future prospects of offshore wind energy in Europe's northern fringe.
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Man behind Australia’s most powerful battery named one of Time’s climate titans, with Pope and King Charles
Nick Cater, CEO of Akaysha Energy, has been named one of Time Magazine's Climate100 for his role in building the Waratah Super Battery, the most powerful battery in Australia. The battery is acting as a "shock absorber" to help fill gaps created by coal closures. Carter emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for climate solutions and advocates for a global carbon platform and market. Akaysha is involved in building several battery projects in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria to address energy storage challenges and contribute to resolving climate issues. Supporting independent media like Renew Economy can help promote accurate information on climate solutions.
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Victoria fast-tracks approval of major solar battery hybrid project, and new big battery in Latrobe Valley
The Victoria government has approved two major renewable energy projects, including a large solar-battery hybrid and an expansion of an existing battery in the state's coal heartland. The Meadow Creek solar farm will combine a 332 MW solar facility with a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery, while the Tramway Roads battery will be a 300 MW, 1,200 MWh project owned by Eku Energy. These projects are part of Victoria's push towards reaching 95% renewables by 2035, with a focus on solar battery hybrids to address cost increases and planning issues facing wind energy projects. The Meadow Creek project has faced community concerns but has addressed issues such as fire risk, water management, and visual impact through consultations with stakeholders. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy and The Driven, provides the latest clean energy news through their free daily newsletter.
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BMW Closes In On The Solid State EV Battery Of The Future
BMW, in collaboration with Solid Power and Samsung SDI, is working on developing a solid state EV battery that replaces the conventional liquid electrolyte with solid materials, offering benefits such as increased safety, lighter weight, longer lifespan, and improved performance for electric vehicles. Other companies like QuantumScape and Toyota are also making advancements in this area, with a focus on using earth-abundant materials like sulfides as an alternative to ceramics in solid state batteries. The US is working on securing its EV battery supply chain, including extracting critical materials like lithium from oil and gas drilling wastewater, with ARPA-E launching a $25 million funding round for new extraction technologies. Columbia University has received funding to recover lithium and magnesium from wastewater, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy storage solutions. Solid Power's contribution of a sulfide-based electrolyte to the new solid state EV battery demonstrates ongoing efforts towards more efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions.
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EVChaja Looks To Scale Its Electric Corporate Shuttle & B2B Electric Van Service In Kenya
Kenyan company EVChaja is expanding its electric van operations and charging network to establish a 100% electric staff transport network, integrating solar-powered charging and AI-based route optimization. The country's electric vehicle market is growing, with a 300% rise in electric mobility consumption and a goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. By accelerating the adoption of electric mobility, Kenya can reduce CO2 emissions, decrease its fuel import bill, and decrease its heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports through utilizing excess energy from geothermal plants for overnight charging of electric vehicles. This shift towards locally generated renewable electricity could significantly advance Kenya's electric mobility sector and decrease its trade deficit.